By William Welsh
JUNE 5
Israel launches a preemptive airstrike known as Operation Focus against Egyptian air bases in the morning with its French-supplied fighter bombers. They achieve total surprise.
Israeli aircraft attack air force bases in Syria and Jordan later in the day.
Syria, Jordan and Iraq begin air strikes on various targets, including Haifa, Netanya, and Tel Aviv.
JUNE 6
Syrian forces fortify their frontier with Israel. The Syrians shell Israel with their heavy artillery.
Israeli forces begin major ground operations on its frontiers with Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Jordanian forces retreat from West Bank. Brig. Gen. Ariel Sharon wins a decisive victory at Abu Agheila in the Sinai Peninsula.
JUNE 7
The U.N. Security Council presents a possible cease-fire initiative. Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser flatly rejects it. Meanwhile, Israel and Jordan begin peace talks.
Israeli forces capture Bir al-Hasna and Al Qazima in Egypt.
A fierce battle erupts in the Old City of Jerusalem as elite Israeli forces overpower Jordanian troops. Shaken by the loss of the Old City, King Hussein of Jordan orders his forces to withdraw.
JUNE 8
Egypt accepts a cease-fire, the Israelis capture Hebron, and fighting rages on the border of Golan.
JUNE 9
Israeli ground forces attack the Golan Heights in Syria.
JUNE 10
Israel takes Kuneitra on the Golan Heights. Israel and Syria agree to a cease-fire.
The war ends with Israel having captured the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula to the Suez Canal.
